Chicago locals compete in "Bald-Off" competition
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Tom Burdelik aka "Mr. Clean." Photo: Moyo Adeolu/Axios
Chicago has crowned its best bald head.
The big picture: Hundreds gathered in Lakeview on Sunday to watch 60 contestants compete for the title of "Baldest Baddie" and "Baddest Baldie."
- The event coincided with National Hair Loss Awareness Month, which is in August.
Zoom in: "It Left The Group Chat," a local comedy sketch group, organized the "Bald-Off" in an effort to bring people together and to promote upcoming shows.
- "It felt like it really fit in with the theme of celebratory, bringing people together, which is the same energy we want to bring to our comedy shows," Bri McDonald, co-creator and producer, told Axios.
- "Chicago deserves a little weird every now and then," McDonald added.
How it worked: A Steve Harvey impersonator, stylish men and women — some with bald caps — and a few hairless cats were among the 60 competitors.
- When the competition narrowed to 10 finalists, many spectators were displeased, chanting "Bring the cats!" which pressured organizers to expand the group to a dozen by adding the cats.
- In the end, Tom Burdelik aka "Mr. Clean" won first place as "Baddest Baldie," and Kristian Boado came in second place as "Baldest Baddie." They both won a crown and a few other miscellaneous and quirky bald theme prizes.
Flashback: Other similar local competitions have drawn lively crowds, including last November's Jeremy Allen White look-alike contest.
What they're saying: "It Left The Group Chat" describes itself as fun, wacky and weird — and promises that anyone who enjoyed the local competition will experience the same energy in its upcoming 75-minute show.
What's next: Shows start Sept. 17 and run through March 26 every third Wednesday at The Comedy Clubhouse.